Overview

Medical Ultrasound

This page provides information about the part-time Medical Ultrasound pathway, one of four pathways available within our MSc Medical Imaging course.

The Medical Ultrasound pathway provides a clear pathway to progress into advanced ultrasound practice.

This CASE-accredited course is taught by a multidisciplinary team of academics and clinical experts.

You will build on existing skills in radiography, midwifery or other health-related professions and specialisms, graduating as a competent ultrasound practitioner.

Through specialist facilities, you will develop the practical scanning skills and clinical judgement needed to perform ultrasound safely and effectively, including:

state-of-the-art simulation technology (MedaPhor ScanTrainer)
industry standard ultrasound equipment (including Samsung V8, GE S8).

Alongside technical scanning skills, you will build the confidence and critical awareness needed to work independently and contribute to the development of ultrasound services.

Whether you’re advancing your current role or entering a new career path, this degree opens doors to leadership, innovation and meaningful impact in healthcare.

Further details about the MSc Medical Imaging and pathway options can be found on the MSc Medical Imaging course page.

Please note: Entry onto the MSc Medical Imaging is for qualified radiographers. However, the ultrasound pathway is also open to other registered healthcare professionals entering sonography practice. The ultrasound pathway is only available as a part-time study option.

Why study Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) at GCU?

You’ll benefit from access to state-of-the-art simulation technology, allowing safe, realistic practice with instant feedback. Facilities include the MedaPhor ScanTrainer, Samsung V8 and GE S8 ultrasound equipment.
This CASE-accredited Ultrasound pathway supports experienced practitioners to develop independent scanning and reporting skills, meeting recognised professional standards.
This course offers flexible study options tailored to your clinical area, making it ideal for working healthcare professionals. Learning is delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars and hands-on simulation.
We maintain close partnerships with NHS Scotland, ultrasound manufacturers and independent clinics, offering you valuable networking and research opportunities.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

With growing global demand for advanced imaging expertise and digital health innovation, graduates are well positioned to progress into roles across clinical, academic and commercial settings.

Graduates of the Medical Ultrasound pathway progress into sonographer roles, including specialist positions such as clinical specialist or lead sonographer.

By graduation, you’ll develop the skills required to:

lead clinical services
shape policy
pioneer practitioner-led ultrasound models.

Alongside advanced or enhanced roles within diagnostic imaging or sonography services, you’ll be prepared for opportunities in:

leadership
reporting
education
research.

Graduates go on to work across a range of settings, including:

NHS Health Boards
Private imaging providers
International hospitals.

The demand for skilled sonographers continues to grow. With a global shortage of ultrasound professionals, this programme positions you at the forefront of a rapidly expanding field. UK-based students often achieve career progression within the NHS. Some graduates also choose to pursue further academic study, including doctoral-level research.

Strong links with NHS Scotland and industry partners, alongside GCU’s career guidance, provide valuable opportunities for networking and career development.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 -5 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 -5 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in radiography, nursing, midwifery, medicine, podiatry, physiotherapy or any other relevant allied health science subject.

Applicants must have ongoing access to appropriate clinical placement and mentorship.

Additional requirement

The clinical education element of the programme requires the student to be able to have regular access to ultrasound placement, with the support of an appropriate mentor (this is not provided by GCU).

Evidence of this is required prior to entry. Please download the Additional Evidence form and upload as part of your application.

English language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 7.0, no element below 6.5 (or equivalent).

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching and assessment

The MSc Medical Imaging provides an engaging and applied learning experience, combining a range of teaching methods such as:

lectures
seminars
practical classes
simulation-based learning.

Assessment methods include:

written coursework
oral presentations
practical evaluations
a research dissertation.

This ensures you’re assessed on a balance of academic research and clinical relevance.

Placements

Clinical supervision is a cornerstone of the Medical Ultrasound pathway. Applicants to this pathway must secure a clinical placement and a qualified mentor prior to enrolment (GCU does not directly provide placements).

Guest lectures and networking

You’ll hear from guest speakers across the healthcare sector, including:

experienced sonographers
researchers
policy leaders.

These sessions offer insights into emerging trends and provide opportunities to build professional connections.

Full time and part time study options

This course is offered part time.

Part time (3 – 5 years): part time allows you to study over three to five years.

If you are a working professional and eligible for part-time study, you’ll be able to build your award gradually, combining modules across trimesters to suit your schedule and career development. You will steadily progress from PgCert to PgDip and finally MSc, alongside your work commitments.

Facilities

You will have access to state-of-the-art simulation technology, allowing safe, realistic practice with instant feedback. Facilities include:

The MedaPhor ScanTrainer
Samsung V8 and GE S8 ultrasound equipment.

Global perspective and Common Good

This course reflects GCU’s Common Good mission, promoting inclusive, digitally enabled education and preparing graduates to address health inequalities and global imaging challenges. You’ll benefit from a research-rich environment and strong NHS and industry links, positioning them for leadership roles worldwide.

Entrepreneurship and leadership

Modules (such as Advanced Leadership for Health and Social Care Practitioners) equip you with key skills to drive service transformation and mentor future professionals including:

critical thinking
reflective practice
confident leadership.

Research and impact

The programme encourages critical engagement with current research and supports students in contributing to innovation in ultrasound practice. You’ll explore topics such as practitioner-led services, diagnostic accuracy and service redesign.

Professional accreditation

The Ultrasound pathway is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based training that meets national standards for sonographic education.

What this means for you:

Quality assurance – confidence that your training meets recognised national standards
Enhanced employability – recognised by employers across the UK and internationally
Professional credibility – supports progression into roles such as sonographer, advanced practitioner or clinical specialist, and may be required by some employers
Curriculum excellence – content is evidence-based, clinically focused and aligned with best practice in medical ultrasound

For more details, visit the CASE website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.